Douro Valley Portugal 21 - 25 June

Discovering Porto and the north of portugal 21-25 june Educational to Porto Northern Portugal Photos to follow:- 21 June, Friday Douro Valley Arrival to Porto Airport TPO 33114h10 Meeting, greeting and assistance by Porto & Northern Portugal Tourism Staff Departure to Amarante. Arrival at Casa da Calcada Visit of the Hotel and of the city.Located in Amarante, between Porto city and the Douro valley, arises Casa da Calcada member of the Relais & Chateaux Association with majestic landscape and an entire idyllic scenery that inspires its discovery. Departure to the Douro Valley World Heritage of UNESCO and the oldest demarcated wine region in the World - the region where Port wines and Douro wines are produced. Arrival at Hotel Lamego The Hotel Lamego built on land where an ancient Quinta is situated in a house dating from 1926 season with his name Palacete Vista Alegre, has all the amenities of a modern and sophisticated hotel unit. Ideal place to enjoy harmony of comfort, tranquility, history and flavors of the Alto Douro Wine Region 22 June, Saturday Douro Valley Guided Visit at Quinta da Pacheca Continuing to Quinta da Pacheca one of the best known estates in the Douro region was also one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. Inside of the property, you can find a small and deluxe charm hotel with 15 rooms l Quinta do Panascal dates back to the 18th century and is the most important wine estate of the prestigious Port Wine Company "Fonseca Guimaraens". The estate has been classified as grade "A", which is the highest grade given to a quinta. The same occur:s with its famous wines, namely Fonseca Vintage 1994 which was recognized by the Wine Spectator Magazine as one of the best wines in the world Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Rural Hotel is open since 2005, reconstructed from an old eighteen century manor house designed in full harmony with nature and tradition, Hotel visitors are able to live the true spirit of the Douro Valley by accompanying the Quinta's farming activities, trying out the walking routes and discovering the Quinta's historical spots.A beautiful quinta with a large pool overlooking the Douro river and valley, the perfect spot to enjoy the silence and tranquility. Departure to Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa Check-in. Dinner and overnight The Douro Palace Hotel Resort & Spa, invites you to a unique experience of comfort and elegance in an informal atmosphere, where history and the contemporary are to be found side by side. Rooms with beautiful views of the river and surrounding countryside. 23 June, Sunday Porto - St John Festivities Departure to Porto Check-in at Hotel Vila Gale Porto This hotel affords excellent, easy access right on the way to the airport and is served by the main routes leading to the city centre. Having direct access to Porto's modern Subway system and staying so close to a train station Arrival at Porto City Centre St. John's itinerary - "cascatas" (typical outdoor decoration), the shop windows and popular poetry tour Lunch at D. Tonho Restaurant A' typical portuguese restaurant, at Ribeira, near the river, with a beautiful sight. Departure to "Circuito da Boavista" - Porto Historic Grand Prix Return to the past to attend to the Porto Historic Grand Prix, to the fast pace of Circuito da Boavista.with a flowing bar of champagne. St John's dinner at Taylor's Taylor's, accepted by most wine authorities to be the greatest of all port shippers, the visitor will be given the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of Port wine, as well as that of the House of Taylor - now in its fourth century - making it one of the oldest Port companies 24 June, Monday Porto Guided visit to Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves and lunch at Serralves Restaurant CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM OF SERRALVES, the Gardens, the Serralves Foundation - an Art Deco mansion, a farm, a modern restaurant and the teaRoom restaurant, all inside a huge park of 18 hectares, which give so many possibilities of indoors and outdoors activities, traditional workshops, team building, informal lunches, picnic in the park or a very elegant and sophisticated candle light dinner. Departure to Guimaraes Recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO, Guirnaraes adds this award to another title it displays by right, the cradle of the nation as a proud and dominating castle was bom in the twelfth century, the first king of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques. The distinguished historical center is extremely well preserved and the narrow streets of the Medieval, with old houses embellished by ornate balconies and statuary, leading to the beautiful Largo da Oliveira, one of the centers of interest. Guimaraes is European Capital of Culture 2012 19h30 Departure to Porto 20h30 Dinner at Quarenta 4 Restaurant A design, urban chic restaurant with an excellent and sophisticated Portuguese cuisine. 25 June, Tuesday 07h15 Departure to Porto Airport - TP 334 OPO - London Gatwick- 08h45 THANK YOU TO PORTO AND NORTHERN PORTUGAL TOURISM BOARD FOR THIS MEMORABLE TRIP For more information, call Deb on 01243377211

Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura Oct 2013

Thought I would give the itinerary for my trip to the Canaries on Friday - I love my job!!
Report with photos to follow on my return.......
EDUCATIONAL TRIP 4th – 9th October
GRAN CANARIA & FUERTEVENTURA
Thursday 3rd October 2013 booked into Copthorne Hotel when I realised that the meeting was at 05.00 hours (not my favourite time of the day!)
Friday 4th October, 2013 GRAN CANARIA
05:00 Meet at Gatwick North Terminal-by EasyJet desk with Gran Canaria
Representative Katerina Bomshtein
07:00-11:30 Flight Easyjet 8693 London Gatwick-Gran Canaria
12:00-13:00 Transfer and check in at 5* Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa
13:30-15:30 Transfer to Maspalomas & Melonearas area and
lunch at H10 Playa Meloneras Palace 5*
15:30-16:30 Visit Maspalomas Dunes and short walk along the Meloneras promenade
The Meloneras area is considered Gran Canaria's best tourist area and has a conference
centre, golf club, 4 and 5 star high-quality modern hotels, bars, restaurants, casinos and
boutiques. The promenade is 2 km long and is joined with Maspalomas and its 6 km famous
dunes, palm grove and lagoon.
16:30-19:00 Transfer back to the hotel and free time. Relax at sunset terrace and pools
19:30-21:30 Sunset and dinner at Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa with hotel
representative
Saturday 5th October 2013, GRAN CANARIA
09:00-10:00 Breakfast at hotel
10:00-11:00 Transfer to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Please take with you swimwear and
clothes to change for the dinner-resort casual dress code.
11:00-12:30 Visit Bandama Crater and wine tasting with tripgrancanaria.com
The stunning Caldera de Bandama is a volcanic crater – 1000 m. in diameter. The pick of
Bandama allows enjoying breathtaking views of the island and with a clear sky you might
even get to see Fuerteventura. The Royal Golf Club of Las Palmas, the first ever golf club of
Spain, developed by the British in 19th Century is in this beautiful residential area, known as
well for its vineyards.
12:30-13:30 Visit Vegueta and Triana with tripgrancanaria.com
Visit Vegueta, lovely old quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with its most important
historical buildings which have been standing for the past five hundred years. Visit
Columbus House Museum, Plaza de Santa Ana Square and Cathedral
14:00-15:30 Lunch at Las Canteras Beach at “Charcón 41” Restaurant
15:30-17:00 Enjoy Las Canteras beach and promenade Las Canteras Beach has been awarded
as one of The Top 10 Best Beaches in Spain 2013 by TripAdvisor. This 3.5 km long urban
beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is protected by its fine golden sand and rocky reef of
volcanic origin creating a natural space of big ecologic value. This beach has lovely
promenade and is full of places of leisure with bars and restaurants giving a life to the city.
Do not forget your swimwear!
17:00-18:00 Transfer back to the South to San Agustín area
18:30-19:30 Enjoy Thalasso at Gloria Palace San Agustín 4*
19:30-22:00 Cocktail at chill out terrace and dinner in a-la-carte restaurant Gorbea
22:00-22:15 Transfer back to the hotel

Sunday 6th October, 2013 GRAN CANARIA
08:30-09:30 Breakfast at hotel
09:30-14:00 Transfer to Anfi Beach Club for water sports activities (jet ski, parasailing,
kayak…) and boat excursion from Anfi to Puerto Mogán. Pretty Puerto de
Mogán has beautiful gardens with exotic plants and tasteful bars and restaurants. It's also
known as “Little Venice”. The Boat excursion is a perfect way to see the most popular
resorts located in South-West area of the island that enjoys unbeatable weather and
perfect conditions for water sport activities all year round!
14:00-16:00 Lunch at Cordial Mogán Playa 4*+
16:00-18:45 Transfer back to the hotel and free time
18:45-19:30 Transfer and visit of Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia 5*GL –Member of The
Leading Hotels of the World
20:00-22:00 Visit and signature BBQ dinner at Seaside Hotel Palm Beach 5*-Member of
Design Hotels
Monday 7th October, 2013 GRAN CANARIA / FUERTEVENTURA
7:00-8:00 Breakfast at hotel
8:00-8:45 Transfer to the airport
10:00-10:40 Flight NT210 Gran Canaria 10:00h -Fuerteventura 10:40h
Raúl Herrera will be your guide
11:00 Check in at one of the Elba Hotels.
Visit the hotel.
12:00 Trip to El Cotillo in the north of the island.
Do not forget your swimming suit, sun protection, hat, sun glasses & flip-flops .
12:30 Lunch in El Horno in Villaverde.
Fuerteventura dishes have a taste of salt, sea and pasture of Majorera goats.
Discover and enjoy the typical food of the island.
13:30 Visit el Tostón Castle and its museum.
The building is made of stone from a stone quarry close to el Cotillo.
It was declared a historic monument in 1949 and it is an important element in the cultural
heritage of the island of Fuerteventura.
Nowadays, it has turned into a space for history and culture promotion for the population of
Fuerteventura. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions, as well as a tourism office and a
viewpoint over the white sand beaches of El Cotillo, which is one of the main tourism resorts
in Fuerteventura.
14:30 Visit the fishing village of el Cotillo and relax by the Sea.
Crystal clear waters, a pleasant temperature and much quietness can be found in el Cotillo.
17:00 Enjoy Corralejo Natural Park and the town of Corralejo.
From this natural park you will enjoy spectacular views of the dunes, the beaches of white
sand and turquoise water and the Lobos Island.
Walk through the streets of Corralejo.
18:30 Transfer back to the hotel.
20:00 Dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday 8th October, 2013 FUERTEVENTURA
09:15 Breakfast.
10:00 Meet Raúl at reception for a day trip to Jandía in the south of the island.
Do not forget your swimming suit, sun protection, hat, sun glasses & flip-flops.
11:00 Visit Betancuria, the historic capital of the Canaries and the Archeological
Museum.
Betancuria town was founded by the Norman conquerors around 1404. It has enormous
historic value as it is considered to be the first capital of the Canary Islands, with the first
monastery, first cathedral and episcopal headquarters in the entire archipelago.
12:00 Visit Morro Velosa Observation Point.
It was designed by the artist from Lanzarote Cesar Manrique and from its installations you
can see the full view of the beautiful landscape of plains, volcanoes and trusses that form
Northern and central Fuerteventura.
13:30 Lunch in Risco del Paso beach bar.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a cold drink and a great lunch. Free your mind while observing the 70
km of beaches, a haven of peace and tranquility.
14:30 Relax by the Sea.
Jandía beaches are one of the best beaches of the Atlantic Ocean that will help you relax and
get away from stress. The golden sand with turquoise waters of these beaches will not leave
you indifferent.
17:00 Transfer back to the hotel and free time.
20:00 Dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday 9th October, 2013 FUERTEVENTURA
08:30 Breakfast.
09:15 Check out and transfer to the airport.
11:20 – 15:15 Flight EasyJet 8536: Fuerteventura 11:20 – London Gatwick 15:15h

Swan Hellenic Cruise ship visit with lunch 04 July 2013

 

Swan Hellenic invited us to visit their cruise ship Minerva which cruises from Portsmouth Continental ferryport so Gill and Sue decided to take the morning looking round. Minerva is a small ship with just 190 cabins and appeals to those wanting a smaller, quieter ship but with still enough to do and low key entertainment.  They are well known as being the educational ships with several lecturers on board to educate you about the places you are visiting. The staff and very friendly and get to know you personally as there are fewer passengers.  Bar prices are very reasonable and no higher than typical bar prices. Typical prices were £4.50 for a glass of wine, £15 for a bottle, Pimms or cocktails from £3.50 which we thought were very reasonable.  They have undergone a refit in the last year and we were pleasantly surprised by the standard of this ship.  The following are a selection of photos to give an idea of what to expect.

 

 

Check in area in Portsmouth

Reception on board

Dining room

Well stocked library

Balcony to superior cabin

Owners suite with champagne supplied and replenished

Balcony suite

Deluxe balcony

Observation lounge

Bar in observation lounge

Sunbathing area away from pool

Outside dining area for lunch or evening meal

Only pool is in dining area

Bar and relaxing lounge area

Less formal dining area

Piano bar and loungs

Lecture area and entertainment area

Inside cabin

Outside cabin

Outside cabin with 2 portholes

Shower room

Small but well equipped gym



Main restaurant where we had a very enjoyable and tasty lunch

Malaga independent travel agents conference 9-12 May 2013

Thu 9th May

What ever came over me to take the 05.45 hours Easyjet flight to Malaga for our Advantage Conference?  Well - after 3 hours sleep, I set off for the airport (bonus being the roads were clear and it took just over an hour to the airport from Emsworth). Parked up at the official North Terminal long stay parking and was in the airport within 15 minutes of parking. While Easyjet have the unlimited weight restriction, decided to take the largest case I could within the limit and, having checked in online and printed my boarding passes, just walked straight to security - effortless! Security was a bit slow but the flight left on time and we arrived at Malaga airport approximately 2 hrs 30 mins later. Temperature at 9.30 am was 23c sunny - lovely! Transferred to the Ibis Hotel which is where I stay for the conference.

At 13.55 hours on the day of arrival, we left for a sightseeing tour to Mijas. This beautiful moutain village with whitewashed buildings is well worth a visit and has spectacular views towards the sea, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and surrounding area. The village is also renowned for their donkey taxis which began in 1960s when a group of workers were returning home on their donkeys and were stopped by a group of visitors to take photos and have a ride.  It has become an institution since the tips were greater than a days wage - there are now over 60 donkey taxis.  Had a lovely wine tasting session and a walking tour of Mijas and after 2 hours returning to our hotel.

This was the place we sampled lovely spanish wines leading up to the church

The first evening we had our welcome dinner at El Realengo and drinks reception. This is a botanical gardens with exotic surroundings.

Our conference with 400 delegates was held at the Palace Conference Centre, a massive conference centre which dwarfed our group.

Friday 10th May

The programme included a talk from Daniel Moylan, Aviation Advisor to the Mayor of London and business sessions with other tour operators, A great talk from a very interesting man with a dry sense of humour.
We also had an excellent talk from Simon Reeve, TV Presenter of BBC TV series Indian Ocean, and Equator, Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, author and Adventurer - a fascinating talk about taking you outside your comfort zone and the excitement of living with danger, sharing feelings and emotions on his travels.

Our evening included drinks reception and dinner at the Muelle Uno, Port of Malaga. Welcome drinks were held in a fabulous spot overlooking the port. A superb spot with wonderful views. We were hosted by Azamara Cruises and had a lovely meal at the Plaza Restaurant with several Mezes and a great evening including Flamenco. A very enjoyable evening.

Seabourn Classic was in the harbour - a 5 star elegant small cruise ship

Sat 11 May

The programme on this day included business sessions and the highlight was a talk from the actress Joanna Lumley. What an amazing woman.

Our dinner was held at the Auto Museum (largest in the world) An extensive array of old cars including the Aston Martin used in the film Goldfinger.

Today was a fiesta so the centre of Malaga was filled with entertainment, museums were open, and an array of music being played in the streets throughout the night.

Overall I was impressed with Malaga as a city destination. There is a lovely pedestrianised area with nice restaurants and shops, a beautiful port with mountain backdrop and only 30-45 minutes by train to the resort areas of Fuengirola and Torremolinos. There is also a small beach area in Malaga which is man-made and there are several trips out from here with a good train service.

Sun 12 May

My flight back was at 10.10 hours. There is a good choice of restaurants and shops at Malaga airport to while away your time.
For more information or details of the operators and packages available to Malaga, contact Sue at Emsworth Travel on 01243377211

Yalikavak Holiday Gardens (formerly Hillview Gardens) 19-29 April 2013 Changes happening.

Due to a large influential Hotel with a similar name, we have been requested to change our name from Hillview Gardens so it has been agreed to change the name to Yalikavak Holiday Gardens. 

I have just returned from Yalikavak, have decorated both of the apartments and are ready for rental season to begin. 

I had the pleasure of 2 weeks out there and have come back totally relaxed, with blood pressure reduced and lost over 2 kilos/5 lbs due to the healthy diet of salad/fruit and fish with the odd sumptuous steak.  Turkish bath/hamman is always a must as starts the holiday well, removing all that excess skin and prolonging the tan.

There is a new restaurant and supermarket being built on site but was not completed when I left which is running on a little - typical Turkey!  Mind you that is the charm of the place - you have to relax and go with the flow.  Someone decided to steal our telephone cable so wifi is off for the moment but should be back soon!

More equipment has been bought for the gym with a big improvement.

A billionnaire has bought the marina in Yalikavak and is spending multi millions upgrading it to what is talked about becoming the new "St. Tropez" - watch this space ......  There are lots of enhancements going on which will be completed within the next few weeks.

The following as a few photos showing how nice the resort is looking and I am going out again 19th May with the thought of taking a few along with me 19-24 May at a cost of £289 for flight and apartment if anyone is interested.

Plus many more photos on facebook 'like' us at Emsworth Travel